Being attentive and cautionary while boating can prevent accidents like the one that claimed the life of an Ames man Sunday.

Watching the weather is the first consideration. Wind, lightning or choppy water can mean a storm is brewing, according to the Washington Boating Safety Officers Association Web site.

Wearing a life jacket is the best prevention against harm, said Capt. Gary Foster, Story County chief deputy sheriff.

The man who drowned while canoeing on the Skunk River on Sunday was not wearing a life jacket.

“It’s possible a life jacket may have saved him, but it’s difficult to say,” Foster said.

Foster said a strong undercurrent played a large factor in the accident.

When boating, minding the laws, like rights of way, can help prevent accidents, he said. Keeping others informed can also help.

“Let someone know where you’re going to be and what time you anticipate being done,” Foster said.

Someone would then know when and where to look for a missing person, he said.

In a drowning situation, the best first step is to call rescue authorities and keep careful watch where the victim is. This helps rescue teams locate and save the victim faster.

Whether a witness should jump in after the victim is at the discretion of the witness, depending on his or her own swimming abilities and the circumstances of the situation.

“It helps us more if we have a live witness than another potential victim,” Foster said.

As of 2003, 12 million boats were registered in the United States, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Web site. There were 703 fatalities, and 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.